What is the maximum population served by a very small water system?

The correct answer, which identifies the maximum population served by a very small water system, is fewer than 500 people. Very small water systems are typically defined by their capacity to deliver safe drinking water and the size of the population they serve.

Specifically, these systems are intended for small communities, such as those in rural or less populated areas, and they often include private wells and small community water systems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and many state regulations categorize these systems based on their population size to ensure compliance with safety standards, efficiency in operation, and management practices tailored to smaller scales.

A limit of fewer than 500 individuals allows for manageable operational requirements and regulatory oversight, assuring that the water quality can be adequately monitored and maintained. Systems serving populations larger than this threshold typically encounter more complex challenges regarding infrastructure, treatment options, and regulatory obligations, necessitating different classifications and standards.

In this context, while other options suggest smaller populations, they do not encapsulate the full operational capacity defined for very small water systems, which is capped at under 500 people.